Holyoke Public Schools is one of 49 school districts in Massachusetts to receive funding through the My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) program. The funding will allow participating districts to provide learning experiences for middle and high school students that align with their interests and academic goals.
HPS was awarded $23,775 to develop MyCAP-aligned lessons for students in grades 7-12. Holyoke teachers, counselors, and administrators will work together to design a comprehensive scope and sequence that includes lessons and activities to ensure that all students are participating in college and career preparation activities as they plan for their futures.
MyCAP is a student-centered, multi-year planning tool designed to provide middle and high school students with ongoing opportunities to plan for their academic, personal, and career success in high school and beyond.
The MyCAP process begins in middle school and continues through high school. It uses individual students’ interests, skills, and talents to drive learning and post-secondary planning. The program also helps students identify the personal, social, and behavioral skills they need to be successful in their future careers. This process empowers students to connect their career interests with course selections and encourages them to seek out opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and capstone projects.
“MyCAP is an important part of the administration’s work to connect more Massachusetts students, especially those who are historically underrepresented in higher education, with the support they need to seek high-quality college and career opportunities,” according to a press release issued by the state.
MyCAP is also connected to the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s “Reimagining High School” initiative, allowing students to seek out learning experiences that align with their interests and academic goals, including Early College or Innovation Career Pathways. To date, more than 200 schools in more than 150 districts have engaged in MyCAP planning and implementation training from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
“This funding will expand access to tools that help break down barriers to higher education and careers, especially for students of color, LGBTQ+ students and first-generation students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through MyCAP, we are able to give students, counselors and schools a roadmap that ties current learning to a student’s post-graduation success. This program will help set our students up for success in higher education and the workforce, supporting the needs of our employers and our economy.”